Under-18s pay the penalty in opener

Marcus Day saw a last-gasp spot-kick saved as City Under-18s just fell short of a remarkable fightback at Huddersfield Town.

Trailing 3-0 at the break in their Professional Development League opener, Under-18 boss Trevor Challis made changes at the interval to inspire a comeback.

Zac Smith and Vince Harper both scored after the break and then Harper was tripped in the box to give City a glorious chance to secure a point. Day stepped up to take the penalty but found the keeper up to the task.

It was a disastrous first half for Challis’ young side in Yorkshire, who conceded three times in an 18-minute spell.

Day crashed a free kick against the crossbar in that first period and saw another set-piece saved after half-time.

Eventually City forced their way back into the game as Smith rounded the goalkeeper to score and then Harper headed in Day’s cross to make it 3-2.

With time almost up Harper was tumbled just inside the penalty area, allowing Day the chance to complete the comeback.

However, the Terriers keeper guessed the right way and kept out Day’s 12-yard attempt.

“It was a really poor first half for us,” admitted coach Challis. “We had to make some changes at the half-time break.

“The second-half performance was excellent and by the end we deserved a point, but sadly it wasn’t to be.”